A CHARITY worker is preparing for a gruelling 900-mile cycle ride to raise funds for a cause very close to his heart.

Manu Fruteau, who works for Sussex Interpreting Services in Queens Road, Brighton – will set off from the city on August 27 aiming to reach Kerrera off Oban Bay in Southern Hebrides Scotland within 16 days.

The 43-year-old is hoping to raise £3,000 to help clinics in regions across the world worst hit by the Zika virus and GBS syndrome epidemic.

GBS (Guillain-Barré Syndrome) is a rare and serious condition with life-threatening complications. It leads to muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis due to immunological effects of the virus on the peripheral nervous system.

About 30 per cent of those affected are unable to breathe unaided. Their life depends on the respiratory support of a ventilator.

When there’s no machine available, their life is literally in the hands of someone pumping air into their lungs 18 times per minute. If the bag was not squeezed for as little as three minutes the person would die.

Manu said specialists agree there is strong evidence linking GBS and the Zika virus, which has hit the international headlines after the outbreak in Rio where the Olympics are being staged. The virus wreaked havoc in Brazil earlier this year.

One of his friends who lives in Kerrera has survived the condition, and Manu will be cycling alone to help make chances of recovery and survival less of a geographical lottery.

French-born Manu, who has lived in Brighton for 14 years, said: "Kerrera is very relevant to my fundraising because a dear friend of mine lives there and he was very unlucky to suffer a severe bout of GBS ten years ago.

"GBS can be a most debilitating illness and in the worst cases it can even be fatal. It can confine you to a bed for months, unable to walk or breathe unsupported, and can leave you significantly impaired.

"Many of the areas hit by the virus worldwide lack the testing and intensive care facilities to cope with the surge of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases triggered by a Zika infection.

"Fortunately my friend survived and was able to get back to a normal life after a long and strenuous period of recovery.

"He started to raise awareness about the condition after coming across numerous cases on a recent visit to Brazil. So I thought I should do my bit as well."

To support Manu, and for more information, visitbeggarswouldride.org.uk